A Christmas for Two

A/N: Bleck, I really hate having exams in January... it means cramming over the holidays; which I hate and normally don't even bother. But this year I have diplomas, PLUS my AP exams, so I have to. So my plan is basically to try and cram writing all of this fanfic in one week so then I can just study for the rest of the holiday; I'll be totally miserable, so enjoy my fanfiction that has my attention right now while it still does.
Disclaimer: Tales of Symphonia and its characters aren't mine; they're Namco's. I own Xylia Eckheart and the plot; which is all. The songs included in this chapter are Evanescence's My Immortal, and Something Corporate's Watch the Sky.

Day 3: Arrivals
Sunlight streamed in bright through the large bay windows, the intensity only increased by the light reflecting off the fresh snow outside. Zelos' eyes scrunched up and he turned his face away from the bright sunlight, instead burying it deeply into the couch pillows; grumbling something about it not being fair and cursing Kratos for getting up already.

“I don't understand what you have against mornings. It's not even that early,” Kratos reprimanded him. “You've gotten lazy over these two years.”

Pouting as he sat up, Zelos blinked and rubbed at his eyes, stretching his arms above his head, “I've always been laid-back; not lazy. Besides, in all of the traveling I was normally one of the first up; I beat Lloyd and the brat up at least.”

“The 'brat'?” Kratos asked, eyebrow raised as he handed Zelos a mug of coffee. He took a sip from his home.

“Yeah the brat; you know, Genis.”

Cracking a small smile, Kratos fought back the urge to roll his eyes at the childish insult, “What earned that nickname?”

Shrugging, Zelos took a gulp of his coffee, “He's got a bit of a bratty nature; you know, he's too much of a know-it-all; annoys the shit out of me. Good thing I haven't seen him at all, he'd probably act even more bratty if he found out I still call him that.”

“Hn.”

There was a loud, crashing knock at the door; Zelos winced at the loud noise, and bashing that might cause damage to his door. On the other hand, Kratos merely sighed; he'd been looking forward to a relaxing morning spent leisurely with his lover; he headed for the door, mug still in hand. Opening the door suddenly on another one of the horrendously unneededly loud knocks.

With a loud crash, and an exclaimation of, “OW!” Genis Sage made a very spectacular entrance. Just behind him, with an exasperated look on her face, was his older sister, Raine.

“Oh, hello Kratos,” Raine greeted politely, pulling her scarf down a little. “I didn't expect to see you here; this is an unexpected surpise.”

With a nod, Kratos watched absently as Genis peeled himself off the floor with a dark look on his face. He turned to Kratos, “What are you doing here Kratos?”

Choosing to ignore the rather rude tone, Kratos replied simply with, “I was in the area.”

“That's not very specific...”

“Oi, it's the brat.” Zelos was suddenly there, taking another gulp of coffee as he ruffled Genis' hair. “Hey Raine, didn't think I'd ever see you this far out.”

Obviously, the elder Sage was taken aback by Zelos' tone and choice of words; she'd obviously been expecting something else, more along the lines of what a 'beautiful hunny' she was and how happy Zelos was to see her, followed by some comment on how he might like to sleep with her.

“It's... it's not that far out of the way... besides, it wasn't completely my idea to come here...”

“Huh? Really? Couldn't have been the brat's here.”

“Quit calling me that! I've grown a full fives inches!”

“Tch, still a brat.”

Raine took a moment to respond as Kratos shut the door behind her as she stepped inside, “Well, it was Lloyd's idea. He knew you'd be spending Christmas out here, alone, so he invited us all to come, and we'd spend Christmas here. Flanoir's a great city for the Christmas season anyways.”

“Oh. Well umm...” Zelos hadn't expected this. So everyone else was coming up here for Christmas? Crap! He had no where near enough room for them all. “What about Seles?”

“Seles is doing fine. In fact, we visited her in Meltokio a few months ago. She seemed happy enough to see us; but she couldn't make it out because something popped up and she had some things she'd like to work out. She told me to pass on her regards.”

Still as tight-lipped as ever about him, Zelos thought; shoving that aside, “Well, not that I'm not happy to see you, but I don't have enough room here for everyone to stay here...” Besides, he'd rather not draw attention to the fact that Kratos wasn't sleeping in the guest room, and he didn't want anyone else to know about anything else they were doing...

“We've booked rooms for everyone at the inn; well, as many rooms as we could. Unfortunately, it seems some of us won't be able to stay there so if you have room it would be appreciated.”

Thinking fast, Zelos remember Xylia had some room over at her place, “Sorry, but with Kratos staying here,” he shot said mercenary a glare telling him not to say anything, “I really don't have room for anyone else. But I know someone here who does have some room where you could stay, I could ask her.”

Kratos simply drank some more coffee; he'd stick with Zelos' lie for now. After all, he didn't want to share his lover with anyone else; and it was best if they kept their relationship under wraps for the time being.

“A friend? Is this the girl that Lloyd mentioned? What was her name again? I think it started with an X...”

“Xylia,” Genis supplied, glaring darkly at Zelos from under his bangs.

“Yeah, Xy's got some room over at her cafe, I'm pretty sure I could convince her to let you guys stay there for the holidays, she wouldn't mind the company.”

“Ah, thank you Zelos,” Raine smiled. “I think Lloyd and Colette will be arriving later this morning, and Regal and Presea will be here this evening. Actually, I'm surprised Sheena's not here already. Oh well, I suppose she'll be here soon enough.”

Neither Raine or Genis noticed how Zelos stiffened at the mention of the summoner's name; Kratos watched Zelos carefully, noting the fear that flashed through his lavender eyes. The way his voice sounded strained, even though the other two didn't seem to notice it, “That's good... I haven't seen most of them in a while.”

“We've all been very out of touch lately, it's a little sad. But this is a great time for us all to get back together and catch up.” Raine smiled.

“Would you two like to come in while we wait for the others then? I can get you some coffee Raine...”

With a nod, Raine replied, “That would be great, thanks Zelos.”

It didn't take long for the Sage siblings to be settled down into the living room. Kratos, who has slipped off to the kitchen with the excuse of breakfast, waited patiently as Zelos came in shortly after him. The ex-Chosen started the coffee before turning to Kratos.

“Sheena's... coming here...”

“I know.”

And with that, Zelos collapsed in a faint.
~*~*~*~
“Is Zelos okay? He didn't hurt himself when he fell?”

“No; I managed to catch him before he hit the floor and he didn't hit his head on anything; there wasn't anything nearby when he fell. He should come round in a few minutes.”

“Any particular reason why he fainted?”

“It's probably just the stress that got to him. It might have been the shock from learning about everyone coming here for Christmas without his knowing about it; he wasn't prepared for it.”

“Oh, well that's understandable I suppose... he did look rather pale earlier, did something happen that could've caused this fainting spell?”

“He might have been hungry; but other then that, I think it was the stress.”

“I got the water Raine.”

“Thank you Genis, please set it down on the coffee table there.”

Zelos' eyelids tightened, he groaned slightly. Their voices were concerned; even the brat's. But... he still didn't want to wake up and have to face the awful truth that he might have to watch the one who he was hopelessly in love die at the hands of someone who he also cared about; just not as strongly or in the way that she wanted him to. The careful threads he'd managed to wind together to hold himself together were quickly tearing; leaving him flailing as he fell.

“He's coming too...”

“Raine, Genis, why don't you two fix something to eat? I'll make sure Zelos is okay, I think something to eat might help him.”

There was skepticism in Raine's voice, but she agreed and disappeared into the kitchen with her younger brother.

“Zelos? Zelos I know you can hear me.”

And he could, he just didn't want to come back and face the truth; the hard, painful truth that could very well tear away the very meaning of his existence.

“You can't stay like this forever you know.”

He knew he couldn't, but he could try couldn't he?

A heavy sigh slipped past Kratos' lips, he'd have to try something else, “You won't ever have to give me up. I'm quite happy where I am and I won't ever leave you. I mean it when I say that I love you.”

Eyelids fluttered, and lavender eyes peeked up at burgandy ones from under lush lashes, “Kratos?”

“I'm right here; you don't have to be afraid.” Zelos reached out wordlessly, taking the younger man's hand in his; Kratos gave it a gentle squeeze. “I won't leave you, I know it would break you. I'll be here for as long as you need me, as long as you need me. I'll protect you, I don't want to see you broken again.” A small smile, “My heart is ever at your service.”

Returning the smile as best he could in his slightly drowsy state, Zelos tried to think of something to say, “I love you very much, because with you, I found a way to love myself again.”

“Lunch is ready you two.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It wasn't until lunch had been finished and the dishes done when Lloyd and Colette arrived in Flanoir. They'd taken rooms with Xylia; who they'd remember from their vist a year and a half before. The young woman, who'd been ecstatic to see them again, and anxious to meet Zelos' other friends; had postponed opening her café for another day to come over with the two of them.

She struck it off with Genis quickly, “Who's the midget?”

“I AM NOT A MIDGET!”

“Fine, a loudmought then.”

“I'M NOT A LOUDMOUTH!”

“Then why are you shouting?”

“... shut up.”

Genis had stormed off at that in a foul mood, with Xylia grinning widely. Raine merely rolled her eyes at the entrance; though amusement was in her eyes and a smile tugged at her lips. Xylia took the moment to formally introduce herself as she bustled around making coffee.

“I'm Xylia Eckheart! But Zelly calls me Xy, and I live here in Flainoir,” her smile was broad as she handed Raine a mug. “And you are?”

“I'm Professor Raine Sage, but you can call me Raine, Xylia.”

“Ohh.. alright then!” she continued handing out the mugs until there were none left; she promptly hopped onto the counter. Zelos had managed to whisper to her that his and Kratos' relationship wasn't a subject of conversation, and she should try not to bring it up.

Interrogating the others on their travels and what they'd seen, Xylia had effectively provided a distraction from the two men in the corner.

Zelos leaned casually against the corner of the counter, mug raised and watching Xylia's highly animated questions and the enthusiasism that she put into the conversation. Beside him, Kratos leaned against the counter as well, watching the spectacle with mostly well hidden amusement.

“Iselia? I've been anywhere in Slyvarant! What's it like? Is it nice? It's not cold there is it? Would it be a good place for a vacation? Could I come visit some time?”

Colette was all smiles, “Iselia's a really nice place, it's quiet and peaceful there; well, at least it was when we left. We haven't been back in a while, but from what I've heard, lots of people are going there now... it may become a bit of a tourist trap... I'm not sure if I'd like for that to happen. But it's still a nice place and of course you can come visit Xylia! I'm sure Dirk would be happy to meet you!”

“Ohh...” She paused, “Dirk's your dad, isn't he Lloyd?”

“Yeah, he raised me. What about you Xylia? What happened to your parents?”

“They... died a long time ago...” This was a sensitive subject for Xylia, but Zelos knew that it would have to come out eventually. He sighed; it had taken him months to work it out of her.

“Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that!” Colette was immediately at Xylia's side, a sorrowful look in her eyes as she took the older girl's hand in hers gently. “It's okay Xylia, my mother died giving birth to me...”

“My mother... we were attacked by mercenaries not to far from Meltokio... another traveller found me wandering around covered in blood... he was nice enough to take me in and helped me to establish my café here in Flanoir... my father died when I was very little; I don't remember him very well.”

Raine spoke up just then, her hand resting on Xylia's shoulder, “You're a half-elf aren't you? Your mother must have faced horrible persecution.”

A wry grin twisted Xylia's features as she looked at Raine, “Actually, I'm three quarters elven; my mother was an elf, and my father was a half-elf... I used to live on Exire when I was little, but we eventually left and travelled around until then... I learned a lot of my herbal remedies from her and some healing arts too.”

“Really? You know healing arts?” Lloyd asked, a goofy grin on his face.

“Of course, my mother worked as a healer before she was exiled from the elven village. She taught me most of what she knew.”

“I'm a healer too, perhaps we could compare arts sometime; we might be able to learn from each other,” Raine suggested.

“Really? That'd be awesome! I'd love too!”

Genis came back in at this point, obviously he'd been standing outside the door the whole time, “Zelos, why is there a piano in the living room and a mess of papers with a bunch of scribbles on them in the living room?”

Hopping down off the counter, Xylia came over and tugged at Zelos' hand, “Whaaat? They don't know?! Are Kratos and I the only ones?”

“Only ones who what?” Genis asked, confused. Raine watched the scene unfold.

“Ohh... you've gotta show them your amazing skills! Please Zelly? Please?!” Xylia had latched herself onto Zelos' arm and was now shaking it while looking up at him with her best puppy eyes. Zelos sighed; he still had a weakness for that...

“Alright Xy...”

“Yay! C'mon let's go!” She promptly began dragging Zelos out of the kitchen, down the hallway, and into the living room. Loud exclaimations and curses could be heard coming from the ex-Chosen as this happened; and the two adults smiled and laughed at it.

Genis, on the other hand, just rolled his eyes and shrugged, “He's as immature as ever.”

When the trio arrived in the living room; Xylia was busy rifling through Zelos' compositions, looking for one that she thought would showcase his skills perfectly; several papers fell to the floor in her frenzied searching, which left a sighing Zelos to pick them up and make sure that everything was still together. He'd still have to reorganize the entire thing when she was done... he was pretty sure that parts of certain pieces had fallen out of the folders and books which she held, and those parts were currently held in his hands.

Lloyd watched, intrigued, at the scene; sliding onto the couch beside Colette, taking her hand discreetly in his. Genis was currently trying to figure out what Xylia had been talking about; and not doing so well at that. Kratos smiled knowingly, and Raine just watched in mild interest.

“Oh, I like these...” Xylia handed the rest of the pile to Zelos after pulling out a particularily ratty looking bundle of papers; her eyes scanned it quickly before she grinned. “Nee... can I ask for a little mini concert? Oh pretty, pretty please Zelly?”

“Well... okay...”

“These two,” she handed them to Zelos before bounding over to Kratos and grabbing his arm. “You too. I want to hear this voice that Zelly was talking about yesterday!”

“Huh? What 'voice'?” Lloyd asked.

Xylia ignored Lloyd's question, dragging Kratos over to the piano as Zelos set up the music for the first piece, “C'mon K-chan! Please? I really, really wanna hear it! Please?” She lowered her voice so the others couldn't hear, “Or else I'll tell them...”

The mercenary knew that it was going to come out eventually, but he didn't want to have to have that discussion with his son now, and have to explain the entire situation to a thoroughly confused Xylia (who probably would be horrified to discover just how much older he was then Zelos). That would be something that would have to wait for another time, when there was less of a chance of Xylia overhearing.

Once she'd pushed and prodded the two enough, she settled in the other four for what she called “a little holiday treat, courtesy of Zelly and K-chan”. None of them were even going to ask about the nicknames; it was obvious they were reserved for Xylia's use only; but Genis would remember Zelos', just to spite him.

The first piece that Xylia had picked out was a rather haunting, almost painfully beautiful piece called 'My Immortal'. It just seemed to... speak to everyone in the most heart-wrenching, exquisite way.

“I'm so tired of being here, supressed by all my childish fears. And if you have to leave, I wish that you would just leave. Because your presecnce still lingers here, and it won't leave me alone. These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real. There's just too much that time cannot erase.

“When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears, when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. And I've held your hand for all of these years, but you still have all of me.”

This had obviously been very much a labor of love for Zelos; the way the notes seemed to just effortlessly flow from beneath elegant, delicate fingers. The lyrics just fit.

“You used to captivate me, by your resonating light. But now I'm bound by the life you left behind. Your face it haunts, my once pleasant dreams, your voice it chased away all the sanity in me. These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real, There's just too much that time cannot erase.

“When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears, when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. And I've held your hand for all of these, but you still have all of me.

“I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone. And though you're still with me, I've been alone all along.”

By the end of the piece, everyone was in tears. Kratos didn't even realize that he had tears streaking down his face until Zelos had wordlessly taken his hand in his, an action that the others luckily didn't notice, and given it a soft squeeze accompanied by his own small, sad smile that was likewise marred with tears. Wiping away the moisture with the back of his hand, Kratos gently returned the pressure.

“That was... so...” Colette wiped uselessy at her own tears; unable to find anything to describe it. “You sang wonderfully Kratos...”

Knowing that this really was just meant as a showcase of Zelos' hidden talent, Kratos accepted the compliment without acknowledging that he'd done so. Genis refused to say anything; which left Lloyd and Raine to compliment Zelos.

“That was something else Zelos.”

“I've never heard... such a moving piece of music, have you ever thought of taking up teaching?”

“Zelly doesn't really have the 'teaching' gene, Raine,” Xylia pointed out. “Besides, for him, this is more of an outlet then anything. It's like his reading, which, by the way, he does too much of.”

The professor dabbed at her, “I believe that there was one other piece that Xylia wanted us to hear... I'd like to hear more.”

“Yes, me too. If that's alright...” Colette trailed off.

“What? Oh yeah that's fine...” Zelos brushed the tears off his face using his arms, before quickly placing the first piece off to the side in a neat pile and spreading the other one out across the stand.

The second piece was different from the first one, significantly. But it was still a wonderfully work, and definitely showed that the young ex-Chosen had a huge musical talent and way with words.

“I'm lost at sea, the radio is jamming, but they won't find me. I swear it's for the best, and then your frequency is pulling me in closer till I'm home. And I've been up for days, I finally lost my mind, and then I lost my way, I'm blistered but I'm better, and I'm home.

“I will crawl, there's things that are worth giving up, I know, but I won't let this get me. I will fight you, you live the life you're given with the storms outside. Somedays all I do is watch the sky.”

It was strange, Kratos mused, for the others at least; to see this side of Zelos. After all, when they'd met him and during the journey that followed, he'd come across as an irresponsible, womanizing moron who only cared about impressing pretty women and girls and who was deeply vain and narcisstic. While it was true that Zelos definitely was handsome, maybe not in a pure masculine way, he definitely wasn't stupid; even though he could act that way. He was a deeply conflicted individual who was more screwed up and insightful then he let on.

“This room's too small, it's only getting smaller, up against the wall, I'm slowly getting taller. In this wonderland, you skin feels so similar and I'm home.

“I'll crawl, there's things that are worth giving up I know, but I won't let this get me. I will fight, you live the life you're given with the storms outside. Somedays all I do is watch the sky, and somedays, all I do is watch the sky.

“And I think I, I could use a little break. Today was a good day. And I think I, I could use a little break, but today was a good day... and it's a deep sea, in which I'm floated, and still I sink to think that I must crawl, there's things that are worth giving up I know.

“When you can't bear to carry me, I'll fight. You live the life you're given with the storms outside. And someday's all I do is watch the sky. Today was a good day... today was a good day...”

“Oh wow... I never knew you could play the piano; I mean, there was one back in Meltokio... but I never thought...” Colette murmured. Xylia's brow ruffled at the mention of Meltokio.

“What? Zelos! You never told me you'd lived in Meltokio!”

Looking down at his hands, Zelos answered with, “I did... I was born and raised there.”

“And here I thought you were just a stupid ladies' man.” Zelos flinched at Genis' insult; which luckily went unnoticed by the teenager. Xylia immediately leapt to his defense.

“Zelos is not stupid and he is most definitely not a womanizer!”

“Oh yes he is!”

“No he's not!”

“Yes he is!”

“No he's not!”

“Yes he is!”

“No he's not!”

“Yes he is!”

“No he's not!”

“Yes he is!”

“Yes he is!”

“No he's not!”

“Ha! I win!” Xylia gloated with a smug smile on her face; she looked at Genis who was gaping at her like a fish with a superior look on her face.

“Grr! I'll get you back for that!”

“Oh no you won't!”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Dinner was a loud and rambunctious affair. Zelos' kitchen, which was no where near large enough to fit all of them, was crowded with Kratos, Genis, and Xylia; who had taken up responsibility for dinner, pushing Genis, Raine, Lloyd, Colette, and Zelos into the living room to await the food's arrival.

“So how's your gathering of Exspheres going?” Zelos asked as he crossed his legs on his arm chair.

“It's going okay so far, we've encountered resistance from mostly the Elemental Research Insistute and the research institutes in Sybak,” Lloyd responded. “Though most people are too happy to help, at least, when we drop your name into the conversation Zelos; but that's only in Tethe'alla.”

“Yeah, I figured as much. Even though I'm officially no longer the Chosen, most people still identify me as it; and I guess are more then willing to lend a hand if the 'Chosen' is helping someone,” Zelos shrugged indifferently. “I'm just glad that stupid title is actually becoming of some use. What about other news?”

“The Pope recently escaped from his prison,” Raine remarked, frowning. “No one's sure about where he disappeared to, but word is that he's gathering supporters and is planning an attack on Meltokio. Zelos, I think he's probably going to target you again.”

“... figures.”

“Oh, don't worry Zelos,” Colette smiled; always the optimistic, if not naïve one. “Most people still seem to think that you're still in Meltokio. We're the only ones who know that you're here in Flanoir; it's the last place they'd think to look.”

Zelos gave Colette his best fake smile, “Yeah? Thanks Colette.”

“Of course! You said it before! 'We Chosen have to look out for each other'!”

“Heh, it's more like ex-Chosen now.”

“Oh, I guess you're right about that... but even still, people still see us as the Chosens, so I suppose we still are in a way.”

“But we're the last ones; that's even better.”

The food was brought in shortly after this, and everyone began to eat. Once the dishes were down and put away, they settled down around the fire with some after dinner coffee or hot chocolate and some quiet conversation. Eventually, it grew late and the others had to depart.

Lloyd and Colette left with Xylia for her café, while Genis and Raine departed for the inn; saying that they'd sleep in tomorrow, but that Zelos should expect a visit from Presea and Regal early the next moring. Zelos groaned.

“Early? How early? Knowing Regal it'll be WAY too early...”

“That's what coffee is for Zelos.”

“... but still...”

“Just go to sleep Zelos.”

“Alright, alright. Sheesh, don't get so bossy Kratos...”

“You're rambling now.”

“Sleeping now.”

“Good, goodnight Zelos.”

“Love you too.”
~*~*~*
Ha! I finished the fifth chapter at around 12:30 AM on a school night; which is not good. But the good news is that we are officially one third of the way through this fanfiction! Aren't you proud of me? Yes, this fanfiction only has fifteen chapters, and it'll soon be done with... kinda sad isn't it? I hope you all will click that little button that says review... reviews make me happy... and want to work more.

Yes, I know I use a lot of song lyrics in this fanfiction; but I found a quote that explains that! “Where words fail, music speaks.” It's a quote by Hans Christian Andersen, and I really think that it's true. Music speaks to us on a whole different level then words do, and I suggest that you actually listen to the songs that I use just so you get what I mean.

Thanks for reading; please review.

I'm going to sleep now...

Kat.